Editing Norway (section)

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Norway|Energy in Norway|European Economic Area|Exclusive economic zone#Norway}}
[[File:Territorial waters - Norway.svg|thumb|Norway's claimed economic zones]]
[[File:EU and EFTA.svg|thumb|Members of the [[European Free Trade Association]] (green) participate in the [[European Single Market]] and are part of the [[Schengen Area]].]]

Norwegians enjoy the second-highest [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|GDP per capita]] among European countries (after [[Luxembourg]]), and the sixth-highest [[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita|GDP (PPP) per capita]] in the world. Norway ranks as the second-wealthiest country in monetary value, with the largest capital reserve per capita of any nation.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Baltais, Simon|title=Environment And Economy: Can They Co-Exist In The "Smart State"?|journal=Issues|volume=91|year=2010|pages=21–24|url=http://www.issuesmagazine.com.au/article/issue-june-2010/environment-and-economy-can-they-co-exist-%E2%80%9Csmart-state%E2%80%9D.html|access-date=20 March 2015|archive-date=7 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407135011/http://www.issuesmagazine.com.au/article/issue-june-2010/environment-and-economy-can-they-co-exist-%E2%80%9Csmart-state%E2%80%9D.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to the CIA World Factbook, Norway is a net external creditor of debt.<ref name="factbook"/> Norway reclaimed first place in the world in the [[United Nations Development Programme|UNDP]] [[Human Development Index]] (HDI) in 2009.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDI_2008_EN_Tables.pdf |title=Human development indices 2008 |date=18 December 2008 |work=Human Development Report |publisher=hdr.undp.org |access-date=12 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219191319/http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDI_2008_EN_Tables.pdf |archive-date=19 December 2008 }}</ref> The standard of living in Norway is among the highest in the world. ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' magazine ranks Norway last in its [[List of countries by Failed States Index|Failed States Index]] for 2009 and 2023, judging Norway to be the world's most well-functioning and stable country. The [[OECD]] ranks Norway fourth in the 2013 equalised [[OECD Better Life Index|Better Life Index]] and third in intergenerational earnings elasticity according to a 2010 study.<ref>[http://www.oecd.org/tax/public-finance/chapter%205%20gfg%202010.pdf A Family Affair: Intergenerational Social Mobility across OECD Countries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016174522/http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/2/7/45002641.pdf |date=16 October 2011 }}. [[OECD]], 2010. Retrieved 27 August 2013.</ref><ref name="OECD Better Life Index">{{cite web|title=OECD Better Life Index|url=http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/#/11111111111|publisher=[[OECD]]|access-date=27 August 2013|archive-date=1 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901021731/http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/#/11111111111|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Norwegian economy is an example of a [[mixed economy]]; a prosperous capitalist [[welfare state]], it features a combination of [[free market]] activity and large state ownership in certain key sectors, influenced by both liberal governments from the late 19th century and later by [[Labour Party (Norway)|social democratic]] governments in the postwar era.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} [[Healthcare in Norway|Public healthcare in Norway]] is free (after an annual charge of around 2000 [[Norwegian krone|kroner]] for those over 16), and parents have 46 weeks paid<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nav.no/Familie/Svangerskap%2C+f%C3%B8dsel+og+adopsjon/Foreldrepenger+til+far+ved+f%C3%B8dsel+og+adopsjon |title=NAV – Foreldrepenger ved fødsel |publisher=Nav.no |year=2011 |access-date=18 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226164159/http://www.nav.no/Familie/Svangerskap%2C%2Bf%C3%B8dsel%2Bog%2Badopsjon/Foreldrepenger%2Btil%2Bfar%2Bved%2Bf%C3%B8dsel%2Bog%2Badopsjon |archive-date=26 February 2010 }}</ref> parental leave. The state income derived from natural resources includes a significant contribution from petroleum production. {{As of|2025|February}}, Norway has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, with 69.7% of the population aged 15–74 employed.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 2025 |title=Labour force survey |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/arbeid-og-lonn/sysselsetting/statistikk/arbeidskraftundersokelsen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217022621/http://www.ssb.no/en/arbeid-og-lonn/statistikker/akumnd/maaned |archive-date=17 December 2016 |access-date=29 March 2025 |website=Statistics Norway}}</ref> People in the labour force are either employed or looking for work.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ssb.no/en/arbeid-og-lonn/statistikker/aku/kvartal/2013-10-30?fane=om#content |title=Labour force survey – About the statistics |publisher=Ssb.no |date=30 October 2013 |access-date=15 February 2014 |archive-date=24 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105937/http://www.ssb.no/en/arbeid-og-lonn/statistikker/aku/kvartal/2013-10-30?fane=om#content |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, 10.6% of the population aged 18–67 receive a disability benefit<ref>{{cite web |date=3 July 2024 |title=Recipients of disability benefit |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/sosiale-forhold-og-kriminalitet/trygd-og-stonad/statistikk/uforetrygdede |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105014/http://www.ssb.no/a/english/aarbok/tab/tab-144.html |archive-date=24 December 2013 |access-date=29 March 2025 |publisher=Statistics Norway}}</ref> and 30% of the labour force are employed by the government, the highest in the [[OECD]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ssb.no/norge/tertiar/ |title=Dette er Norge |publisher=[[Statistics Norway]] |language=no |access-date=2 January 2013 |archive-date=21 February 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050221113806/http://www.ssb.no/norge/tertiar/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The hourly productivity levels, as well as average hourly wages in Norway, are among the highest in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bls.gov/fls/intl_gdp_capita_gdp_hour.pdf |title=International Comparisons of GDP per Capita and per Hour, 1960–2010 |author=Bureau of Labor Statistics |work=Division of International Labor Comparisons |access-date=16 March 2016 |archive-date=8 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608034721/https://www.bls.gov/fls/intl_gdp_capita_gdp_hour.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ichcc.t01.htm "Hourly Compensation Costs, U.S. Dollars and U.S. = 100."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926123949/http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ichcc.t01.htm |date=26 September 2012 }} United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21 December 2011. Web. 18 September 2012.</ref>

The [[egalitarianism|egalitarian]] values of Norwegian society have kept the wage difference between the lowest paid worker and the CEO of most companies as much less than in comparable western economies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2172rank.html |title=Country Comparison: Distribution of Family Income – GINI Index |work=The World Factbook |author=Central Intelligence Agency |access-date=20 June 2013 |archive-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604005151/http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2007/06/12/afx3810988.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> This is also evident in [[List of countries by income equality|Norway's low Gini coefficient]].

The state has large ownership positions in key industrial sectors, such as the strategic petroleum sector (Equinor), hydroelectric energy production ([[Statkraft]]), aluminium production ([[Norsk Hydro]]), the largest Norwegian bank ([[DNB ASA|DNB]]), and telecommunication provider ([[Telenor]]). Through these big companies, the government controls approximately 30% of the stock values at the Oslo Stock Exchange. {{citation needed|date=June 2024}} When non-listed companies are included, the state has even higher share in ownership (mainly from direct oil licence ownership).{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} Norway is a major shipping nation and has the world's sixth largest [[Ship transport|merchant fleet]], with 1,412 Norwegian-owned merchant vessels.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

By referendums in [[1972 Norwegian European Communities membership referendum|1972]] and [[1994 Norwegian European Union membership referendum|1994]], Norwegians rejected proposals to join the European Union (EU). However, Norway, together with [[Iceland]] and [[Liechtenstein]], participates in the European Union's single market through the [[European Economic Area]] (EEA) agreement. The EEA Treaty between the European Union countries and the EFTA countries—transposed into Norwegian law via "EØS-loven"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lovdata.no/all/nl-19921127-109.html |title=EØS-loven – EØSl. Lov om gjennomføring i norsk rett av hoveddelen i avtale om Det europeiske økonomiske samarbeidsområde (EØS) m.v. (EØS-loven) |publisher=Lovdata.no |access-date=14 February 2009 |archive-date=20 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020221525/http://www.lovdata.no/all/nl-19921127-109.html |url-status=live }}</ref>—describes the procedures for implementing European Union rules in Norway and the other EFTA countries. Norway is a highly integrated member of most sectors of the EU internal market. Some sectors, such as agriculture, oil and fish, are not wholly covered by the EEA Treaty. Norway has also acceded to the [[Schengen Agreement]] and several other intergovernmental agreements among the EU member states.

The country is richly endowed with natural resources including petroleum, [[hydropower]], fish, [[forestry|forests]], and minerals. Large reserves of petroleum and natural gas were discovered in the 1960s, which led to an economic boom.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} Norway has obtained one of the highest standards of living in the world in part by having a large amount of natural resources compared to the size of the population.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} In 2011, 28% of state revenues were generated from the petroleum industry.<ref>"[https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3421.htm Norway] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604190934/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3421.htm |date=4 June 2019 }}," U.S. Department of State</ref>{{failed verification|date=June 2024}}

Norway was the first country to ban deforestation, with a view to preventing its rain forests from vanishing. The country declared its intention at the UN Climate Summit in 2014 alongside Great Britain and Germany.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/08/europe/norway-deforestation/index.html|title=Norway first in world to ban deforestation|author=Farida Fawzy|website=CNN|date=8 June 2016|access-date=27 July 2019|archive-date=27 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727202235/https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/08/europe/norway-deforestation/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Resources ===
[[File:Gaulosen og Øysand.jpg|thumb|Agriculture is a significant sector, in spite of the mountainous landscape ([[Øysand]]).]]
[[File:Stockfish in Lofoten.jpg|thumb|right|[[Stockfish]] has been exported from [[Lofoten]] in Norway for at least 1,000 years.]]

==== Oil industry ====
[[File:Heidrun, Norskehavet (28276260560).jpg|thumb|Oil production has been central to the Norwegian economy since the 1970s, with a dominating [[state ownership]] ([[Heidrun oil field]]).]]

Export revenues from oil and gas have risen to over 40% of total exports and constitute almost 20% of the GDP.<ref>{{cite book |publisher=[[Statistics Norway]] |chapter-url=http://www.ssb.no/en/befolkning/artikler-og-publikasjoner/this-is-norway/ |title=This is Norway |chapter=Secondary Industries |page=75 |date=14 October 2019 |access-date=14 January 2020 |archive-date=7 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207235828/https://www.ssb.no/en/befolkning/artikler-og-publikasjoner/this-is-norway/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Norway is the fifth-largest oil exporter and third-largest gas exporter in the world, but it is not a member of [[OPEC]]. In 1995, the Norwegian government established the sovereign wealth fund ([[The Government Pension Fund of Norway|"Government Pension Fund – Global"]]) to be funded with oil revenues.

The government controls its petroleum resources through a combination of state ownership in major operators in the oil fields (with approximately 62% ownership in Equinor in 2007) and the fully state-owned [[Petoro]], which has a market value of about twice Equinor, and [[State's Direct Financial Interest|SDFI]]. Finally, the government controls licensing of exploration and production of fields. The fund invests in developed financial markets outside Norway. Spending from the fund is constrained by the budgetary rule (''Handlingsregelen''), which limits spending over time to no more than the real value yield of the fund, lowered in 2017 to 3% of the fund's total value.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/the-economy/economic-policy/economic-policy/id418083/ |title=The Norwegian Fiscal Policy Framework |date=20 March 2019 |publisher=Government.no |access-date=14 January 2020 |archive-date=14 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114120314/https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/the-economy/economic-policy/economic-policy/id418083/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Between 1966 and 2013, Norwegian companies drilled 5,085 oil wells, mostly in the [[North Sea]].<ref name="NorwegianSectorOnly?4053wells">Ole Mathismoen (5 August 2013) ''Aftenposten'' p. 5</ref> Oil fields not yet in the production phase include: [[Wisting Central]]—calculated size in 2013 at 65–156&nbsp;million barrels of oil and {{convert|10|to|40|e9ft3|e9m3|abbr=off}}, (''utvinnbar'') of gas.<ref name=WistingCentral>{{cite web |author=Lindeberg, Anne |url=http://www.dn.no/energi/article2677091.ece |title=Her er Norges nye oljeprovins |publisher=Dn.no |access-date=12 October 2013 |date=6 September 2013 |archive-date=11 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011174336/http://www.dn.no/energi/article2677091.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Castberg Oil Field]] (''Castberg-feltet''<ref name="WistingCentral"/>)—calculated size at 540 million barrels of oil, and {{convert|2|to|7|e9ft3|e6m3|abbr=off}} (''utvinnbar'') of gas.<ref name=Castberg-feltet>{{cite web |url=http://www.npd.no/Nyheter/Resultat-av-leteboring/2011/72208-1/ |title=Gass- og oljefunn nord for Snøhvitfeltet i Barentshavet – 7220/8-1 |publisher=Npd.no |date=1 April 2011 |access-date=12 October 2013 |archive-date=14 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014150921/http://www.npd.no/Nyheter/Resultat-av-leteboring/2011/72208-1/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Both oil fields are located in the [[Barents Sea]].

Norway is also the world's second-largest exporter of fish (in value, after China).<ref name="GGT">{{cite web|url=http://www.globefish.org/filedownload.php?fileId=560 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171010164444/http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/en/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 October 2017 |title=FAO Globefish global trends 2006 |access-date=8 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 January 2011 |title=Mener Norge bør satse på våpen når oljen tar slutt – VG Nett om Stoltenberg-regjeringen |trans-title=They think Norway should invest in weapons when the oil runs out – VG Nett about the Stoltenberg government |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10037949 |access-date=7 March 2011 |website=vg.no |publisher=[[Verdens Gang]] |language=no |archive-date=4 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204132844/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10037949 |url-status=live }}</ref> Fish from fish farms and catch constitutes the second largest (behind oil/natural gas) export product measured in value.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/norsk-naringsvirksomhet---strukturen-i-n/id87547/#Sentrale|title=Norsk næringsvirksomhet – Strukturen i norsk økonomi|last=handelsdepartementet|first=Nærings- og|date=18 May 2000|website=Regjeringen.no|language=no|access-date=3 October 2018|archive-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003220943/https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/norsk-naringsvirksomhet---strukturen-i-n/id87547/#Sentrale|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ssb.no/nasjonalregnskap-og-konjunkturer/faktaside/norsk-naeringsliv|title=Norsk næringsliv|work=ssb.no|access-date=3 October 2018|language=nb-NO|archive-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003190320/https://www.ssb.no/nasjonalregnskap-og-konjunkturer/faktaside/norsk-naeringsliv|url-status=live}}</ref> Norway is the world's largest producer of salmon, followed by [[Chile]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.istoedinheiro.com.br/algas-nocivas-matam-mais-de-42-mil-toneladas-de-salmao-no-chile/|title=Algas nocivas matam mais de 4,2 mil toneladas de salmão no Chile|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=24 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024140847/https://www.istoedinheiro.com.br/algas-nocivas-matam-mais-de-42-mil-toneladas-de-salmao-no-chile/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[hydroelectricity|Hydroelectric plants]] generate roughly 98–99% of Norway's electric power, more than any other country in the world.<ref>{{cite news |title=Binge and purge |url=http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12970769 |quote=98–99% of Norway's electricity comes from hydroelectric plants. |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |access-date=30 January 2009 |date=22 January 2009 |archive-date=6 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106222818/https://www.economist.com/briefing/2009/01/22/binge-and-purge |url-status=live }}</ref>

Norway contains significant mineral resources, and in 2013, its mineral production was valued at US$1.5&nbsp;billion (Norwegian Geological Survey data). The most valuable minerals are calcium carbonate ([[limestone]]), building stone, [[nepheline syenite]], [[olivine]], iron, [[titanium]], and [[nickel]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ngu.no/upload/publikasjoner/rapporter/2014/Mineral%20Resources2013_screen.pdf?fileId=560|title=Mineral Resources in Norway in 2013|access-date=14 November 2015|archive-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031033/http://www.ngu.no/upload/publikasjoner/rapporter/2014/Mineral%20Resources2013_screen.pdf?fileId=560|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, the Government Pension Fund controlled assets surpassed a value of US$1 trillion (equal to US$190,000 per capita),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbim.no/en/|title=The fund|website=Norges Bank Investment Management|language=en-GB|access-date=4 June 2019|quote=2017 The fund's value reaches 1 trillion dollars|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121075650/https://www.nbim.no/en/|archive-date=21 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> about 250% of Norway's 2017 GDP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ssb.no/en/nasjonalregnskap-og-konjunkturer/statistikker/knr|title=National accounts – SSB|website=Statistics Norway|language=en-GB|access-date=14 January 2020|quote=Statistics Norway national accounts|archive-date=11 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111013605/https://www.ssb.no/en/nasjonalregnskap-og-konjunkturer/statistikker/knr|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the largest [[sovereign wealth fund]] in the world.<ref>{{cite news |author=Stanley Reed |title=Norway's Sovereign Wealth Fund Ramps Up Investment Plans |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/06/24/norways-sovereign-wealth-fund-ramps-up-investment-plans/ |quote=The fund, the world's largest sovereign wealth fund ... |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=24 June 2014 |access-date=27 April 2015 |archive-date=22 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622201511/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/06/24/norways-sovereign-wealth-fund-ramps-up-investment-plans/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Other nations with economies based on natural resources, such as Russia, are trying to learn from Norway by establishing similar funds. The investment choices of the Norwegian fund are directed by [[Socially responsible investing|ethical guidelines]]; for example, the fund is not allowed to invest in companies that produce parts for nuclear weapons. Norway's highly [[transparency (market)|transparent]] investment scheme<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbim.no/en/transparency/|title=Transparency|website=www.nbim.no|language=en-GB|access-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121103940/https://www.nbim.no/en/transparency/|archive-date=21 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> is lauded by the international community.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/b6e0e756-e87c-11e1-8397-00144feab49a |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/b6e0e756-e87c-11e1-8397-00144feab49a |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Investment: Norway's nest egg|website=Financial Times|date=19 August 2012|language=en-GB|access-date=22 November 2018}}</ref>

=== Transport ===
{{Main|Transport in Norway|Rail transport in Norway|List of airports in Norway}}

Due to the low population density, narrow shape and long coastlines of Norway, its public transport is less developed than in many European countries, especially outside the major cities. The country has long-standing water transport traditions, but the [[Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications]] has in recent years implemented rail, road, and air transport through numerous subsidiaries to develop the country's infrastructure.<ref>Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communication, 2003: 3</ref> Under discussion is development of a new high-speed rail system between the nation's largest cities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theforeigner.no/pages/news/updated-majority-in-favour-of-high-speed-trains/ |title=Majority in Favor of High-Speed Trains |publisher=Theforeigner.no |access-date=23 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724185049/http://theforeigner.no/pages/news/updated-majority-in-favour-of-high-speed-trains/ |archive-date=24 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Skjeggestad |first1=Sveinung Berg Bentzrød Helene |title=De aller fleste sier ja takk til lyntog |url=https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/i/8mz8G/De-aller-fleste-sier-ja-takk-til-lyntog |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=Aftenposten |date=7 March 2011 |language=nb-NO |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224115743/https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/i/8mz8G/De-aller-fleste-sier-ja-takk-til-lyntog |url-status=live }}</ref>

Norway's main railway network consists of {{convert|4114|km|mi}} of [[standard gauge]] lines, of which {{convert|242|km|mi}} is [[double track]] and {{convert|64|km|mi}} [[high-speed rail]] (210&nbsp;km/h) while 62% is electrified at {{15 kV AC}}. In 2023, the railways transported 78,220,000 passengers, 3,153 million [[Units of transportation measurement|passenger-kilometres]], and 32,230,000 tonnes of cargo for 3,928 million [[Units of transportation measurement|tonne-kilometres]].<ref name="ReferenceB">[https://www.ssb.no/en/transport-og-reiseliv/landtransport/statistikk/jernbanetransport Rail transport] ''Statistics Norway'' (2023). Retrieved 29 March 2025</ref> The entire network is owned by [[Bane NOR]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/transport-og-kommunikasjon/jernbane_og_jernbanetransport/jernbaneorganisering/id2344653/ | title=Slik er norsk jernbane organisert | date=3 July 2023 | access-date=29 March 2024 | archive-date=6 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206162105/https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/transport-og-kommunikasjon/jernbane_og_jernbanetransport/jernbaneorganisering/id2344653/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Domestic passenger trains are operated by various companies, including [[Vy]], [[SJ AB#SJ Norge|SJ]], [[Go-Ahead Nordic|Go-Ahead]] and [[Flytoget]], while freight trains are operated by [[CargoNet]] and [[OnRail]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Slik er norsk jernbane organisert |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/transport-og-kommunikasjon/jernbane_og_jernbanetransport/jernbaneorganisering/id2344653/ |website=Regjeringen.no |publisher=Norwegian Government |access-date=9 August 2024 |language=nb-NO |date=3 July 2023}}</ref>

Investment in new infrastructure and maintenance is financed through the state budget,<ref name=jbvabout>{{cite web|url=http://www.jernbaneverket.no/english/about/ |title=About |author=Norwegian National Rail Administration |access-date=15 July 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071216163520/http://www.jernbaneverket.no/english/about/|archive-date=16 December 2007}}</ref> and subsidies are provided for passenger train operations.<ref name=minpt>{{cite web |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/sd/tema/kollektivtransport.html?id=1387 |title=Kollektivtransport |author=Norwegian Ministry of Transport |access-date=15 July 2008 |language=no |date=16 June 2006 |archive-date=20 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620034301/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/sd/tema/kollektivtransport.html?id=1387 |url-status=live }}</ref> NSB operates long-haul trains, including [[NSB Night Train|night trains]], regional services and four [[commuter rail|commuter train]] systems, around [[Oslo Commuter Rail|Oslo]], [[Trøndelag Commuter Rail|Trondheim]], [[Bergen Commuter Rail|Bergen]] and [[Jæren Line|Stavanger]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nsb.no/about_nsb/train_facts/ |title=Train facts |author=Norges Statsbaner |access-date=15 July 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080612161348/http://www.nsb.no/about_nsb/train_facts/|archive-date =12 June 2008 |author-link=Norwegian State Railways}}</ref>
[[File:Oslo_Airport_terminal_night_view.jpg|thumb|[[Oslo Airport, Gardermoen]]]]
Norway has approximately {{convert|95120|km|mi}} of road network, of which {{convert|72033|km|mi}} are paved and {{convert|664|km|mi}} are motorway.<ref name="factbook"/> The four tiers of road routes are national, county, municipal and private, with national and primary county roads numbered en route. The most important national routes are part of the [[International E-road network|European route]] scheme. The two most prominent are the [[European route E6]] going north–south through the entire country, and the [[European route E39|E39]], which follows the West Coast. National and county roads are managed by the [[Norwegian Public Roads Administration]].<ref>Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications, 2003: 15</ref>

Norway has the world's largest registered stock of [[plug-in electric vehicles in Norway|plug-in electric vehicles per capita]].<ref name=NorwayLargest>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/electric-cars-take-off-in-norway-2284439.html |title=Electric cars take off in Norway |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |work=[[The Independent]] |date=15 May 2011 |access-date=9 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517153515/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/electric-cars-take-off-in-norway-2284439.html |archive-date=17 May 2011}}</ref><ref name=AVERE>{{cite web|url=http://www.avere.org/www/newsMgr.php?action=view&frmNewsId=611%C2%A7ion%3D&type=&SGLSESSID=tqiice0pmjdclt7l4q0s3s1o27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203054338/http://www.avere.org/www/newsMgr.php?action=view&frmNewsId=611%C2%A7ion=&type=&SGLSESSID=tqiice0pmjdclt7l4q0s3s1o27|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2017|title=Norwegian Parliament extends electric car initiatives until 2018|author=European Association for Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (AVERE)|publisher=AVERE|date=3 September 2012|access-date=10 April 2013}}</ref><ref name=NorwaySales2011>{{cite web|url=http://gronnbil.no/nyheter/eventyrlig-elbilsalg-i-2011-article218-239.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207090813/http://gronnbil.no/nyheter/eventyrlig-elbilsalg-i-2011-article218-239.html|archive-date=7 February 2012|title=Eventyrlig elbilsalg i 2011|trans-title=Adventurous electric vehicle sales in 2011|author=Hannisdahl, Ole Henrik|publisher=Grønn bil|date=9 January 2012|access-date=14 January 2012|language=no|url-status=dead}} ''See table "Elbilsalg i 2011 fordelt på måned og merke" (Electric vehicle sales in 2011, by month and brand) to see monthly sales for 2011.''</ref> In March 2014, Norway became the first country where over 1 in every 100 passenger cars on the roads is a plug-in electric.<ref name=NorwayEVSales032014>{{cite web|url=http://www.gronnbil.no/nyheter/elbilsalget-i-mars-slo-alle-rekorder-article380-239.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405182251/http://www.gronnbil.no/nyheter/elbilsalget-i-mars-slo-alle-rekorder-article380-239.html|archive-date=5 April 2014|title=Elbilsalget i mars slo alle rekorder|language=no|trans-title=Electric vehicle sales in March broke all records|publisher=Grønn bil|date=2 April 2014|access-date=3 April 2014}}</ref> The plug-in electric segment [[market share]] of new car sales is also the highest in the world.<ref name=Top6Global2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/top-6-plug-in-car-adopting-countries/|title=Top 6 Plug-In Vehicle Adopting Countries|author=Cobb, Jeff|publisher=HybridCars.com|date=16 January 2014|access-date=28 January 2015|archive-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221092202/http://www.hybridcars.com/top-6-plug-in-car-adopting-countries/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to a report by {{Lang|no|[[Dagens Næringsliv]]}} in June 2016, the country would like to ban sales of gasoline and diesel powered vehicles as early as 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last=Siu |first=Jason |url=http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/06/norway-to-make-gas-powered-car-sales-illegal-by-2025.html |title=Norway Wants to Make Gas-Powered Cars Illegal by 2025 |work=AutoGuide.com |publisher=VerticalScope Inc. |date=6 June 2016 |access-date=7 June 2016 |archive-date=7 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607114038/http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/06/norway-to-make-gas-powered-car-sales-illegal-by-2025.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Of the 146 airports in Norway,<ref name="factbook"/> 52 are public,<ref name=avinorpassengers>{{cite web |url=http://www.avinor.no/tridionimages/2007%20Passasjerer_tcm181-51564.xls |title=2007 Passasjerer |author=Avinor |year=2008 |access-date=15 July 2008 |language=no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228235921/http://www.avinor.no/tridionimages/2007%20Passasjerer_tcm181-51564.xls |archive-date=28 December 2010 }}</ref> and 43 are operated by the state-owned [[Avinor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avinor.no/en/avinor/aboutavinor |title=About Avinor |author=Avinor |access-date=15 July 2008 |author-link=Avinor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331113335/http://www.avinor.no/en/avinor/aboutavinor |archive-date=31 March 2008 }}</ref> [[List of the largest airports in the Nordic countries|Seven airports]] have more than one million passengers annually.<ref name=avinorpassengers/> A total of 41,089,675 passengers passed through Norwegian airports in 2007, of whom 13,397,458 were international.<ref name=avinorpassengers/>

The central gateway to Norway by air is [[Oslo Airport, Gardermoen]].<ref name=avinorpassengers/> Located about {{convert|35|km|mi}} northeast of Oslo, it is [[airline hub|hub]] for the two major Norwegian airlines: [[Scandinavian Airlines]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sas.no/no/Misc/Service_Links_Container/Rutekart/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120628220717/http://www.sas.no/no/Misc/Service_Links_Container/Rutekart/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 June 2012 |title=Rutekart |author=Scandinavian Airlines System |access-date=15 July 2008 |author-link=Scandinavian Airlines }}</ref> and [[Norwegian Air Shuttle]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ip.norwegian.no/ip/RouteMapAction.aspx?app_language=en-GB |title=Route Map |author=Norwegian Air Shuttle |access-date=15 July 2008 |author-link=Norwegian Air Shuttle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714021439/http://ip.norwegian.no/ip/RouteMapAction.aspx?app_language=en-GB |archive-date=14 July 2008 }}</ref> and for regional aircraft from Western Norway.<ref name=wideroemap>{{cite web|url=http://www.wideroe.no/modules/module_123/proxy.asp?D=2&C=642&I=4274&language=NO |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080815052854/http://www.wideroe.no/modules/module_123/proxy.asp?D=2&C=642&I=4274&language=NO |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 August 2008 |title=Våre destinasjoner |author=Widerøe |access-date=15 July 2008 |author-link=Widerøe}}</ref> There are departures to most European countries and some intercontinental destinations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.osl.no/index.asp?startID=&topExpand=1000314&subExpand=1000318&menuid=1001352&menuid_1=1001348&pid_1=1001332&l=3&languagecode=9&strUrl=//templates/applications/internet/showobject.asp?infoobjectid=1006072 |title=Car |author=Oslo Lufthavn |access-date=15 July 2008 |author-link=Oslo Airport, Gardermoen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601232755/http://www.osl.no/index.asp?startID=&topExpand=1000314&subExpand=1000318&menuid=1001352&menuid_1=1001348&pid_1=1001332&l=3&languagecode=9&strUrl=%2F%2Ftemplates%2Fapplications%2Finternet%2Fshowobject.asp%3Finfoobjectid%3D1006072 |archive-date=1 June 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.osl.no/index.asp?startID=&strUrl=//templates/applications/internet/showobject.asp?infoobjectid=1010847&showad=1&menuid=1001345&menuid_1=1001345&topExpand=1000314&subExpand=1000317&pid_1=1001332&l=2&languagecode=9 |title=International scheduled routes from Oslo |author=Oslo Lufthavn |access-date=15 July 2008 |author-link=Oslo Airport, Gardermoen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714220606/http://www.osl.no/index.asp?startID=&strUrl=%2F%2Ftemplates%2Fapplications%2Finternet%2Fshowobject.asp%3Finfoobjectid%3D1010847&showad=1&menuid=1001345&menuid_1=1001345&topExpand=1000314&subExpand=1000317&pid_1=1001332&l=2&languagecode=9 |archive-date=14 July 2008 }}</ref> A direct high-speed train connects to Oslo Central Station every 10 minutes for a 20 min ride.

=== Research ===
[[File:Niels Henrik Abel.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Niels Henrik Abel]] made pioneering contributions in a variety of fields. The [[Abel Prize]] in mathematics, originally proposed in 1899 to complement the [[Nobel Prize]]s, is named in his honour.]]

Norway has a rich history of contributions to science, mathematics, and technology, with several internationally recognized scientists and innovators.

In mathematics, [[Niels Henrik Abel]] and [[Sophus Lie]] made groundbreaking contributions to analysis and [[group theory]]. [[Caspar Wessel]] was the first to describe [[Vector space|vectors]] and [[Complex number|complex numbers]] in the [[complex plane]], laying the foundation for modern vector and complex analysis. [[Thoralf Skolem]] made revolutionary contributions to [[mathematical logic]], while [[Øystein Ore]] and [[Peter Ludvig Sylow|Ludwig Sylow]] advanced group theory. [[Atle Selberg]], a major figure in 20th-century mathematics, was honored with the [[Fields Medal]], [[Wolf Prize in Mathematics|Wolf Prize]], and [[Abel Prize]]. [[Ernst Sejersted Selmer|Ernst S. Selmer]]'s work significantly influenced modern [[Cryptographic algorithm|cryptographic algorithms]].

In physics, notable figures include [[Kristian Birkeland]], known for his work on the [[Aurora|aurora borealis]], and [[Ivar Giaever]], a Nobel laureate in physics. [[Carl Anton Bjerknes]] and [[Christopher Hansteen]] made contributions to [[hydrodynamics]] and [[Earth's magnetic field|geomagnetism]], respectively. The meteorologists [[Vilhelm Bjerknes]] and [[Ragnar Fjørtoft]] were instrumental in the development of [[numerical weather prediction]].

Norwegian chemists like [[Lars Onsager]], a Nobel laureate, and [[Odd Hassel]], recognized for his work in [[stereochemistry]], have left a lasting legacy. [[Peter Waage]] and [[Cato Maximilian Guldberg]] formulated the [[law of mass action]], fundamental to chemical reaction theory.

In technology, [[Victor Goldschmidt]] is regarded as a founder of modern [[geochemistry]]. [[Håkon Wium Lie]] pioneered [[CSS|Cascading Style Sheets]] (CSS), a cornerstone of web design. [[Pål Spilling]] contributed to the development of the [[Internet Protocol]], bringing the Internet to Europe. Computer scientists [[Ole-Johan Dahl]] and [[Kristen Nygaard]] developed [[Simula]], the first [[Object-oriented programming|object-oriented programming language]], earning them the prestigious [[Turing Award]].

Norwegian academics have also advanced social sciences. [[Arne Næss]] founded [[deep ecology]], while [[Johan Galtung]] established the field of [[Peace and conflict studies|peace studies]]. Criminologists [[Nils Christie]] and [[Thomas Mathiesen]], sociologists [[Vilhelm Aubert]], [[Harriet Holter]], and [[Erik Grønseth]], and political scientist [[Stein Rokkan]] made pioneering contributions to their fields. Economists [[Ragnar Frisch]], [[Trygve Haavelmo]], and [[Finn E. Kydland]] were honored with Nobel Prizes for their work in [[econometrics]] and [[macroeconomics]].

As of 2024, Norway is ranked 21st in the [[Global Innovation Index]] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite book |author=[[World Intellectual Property Organization]] |year=2024 |title=Global Innovation Index 2024: Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/ |access-date=6 October 2024 |page=18 |publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.50062 |isbn=978-92-805-3681-2}}</ref> The country has produced fourteen Nobel laureates across various disciplines.

=== Tourism ===
{{Main|Tourism in Norway}}
{{See also|Category:Tourist attractions in Norway|label 1=Tourist attractions in Norway}}
In 2019, Norway ranked 20th in the [[World Economic Forum]]'s [[Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report]].<ref name="wef1">{{Cite web |year=2019 |title=The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 Travel and Tourism at a Tipping Point |url=https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TTCR_2019.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307004114/http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest%20Press%20Releases/PR_TTCR08 |archive-date=7 March 2008 |access-date=29 March 2025 |publisher=World Economic Forum}}</ref> Tourism in Norway contributed to 4.2% of the gross domestic product as reported in 2016.<ref name="auto">{{cite journal|author=Statistics Norway|title=Key Figures for Norwegian travel and tourism|journal=Innovation Norway|year=2016|url=http://www.innovasjonnorge.no/contentassets/0d32e3231c0a4367a96838ee3bb5b294/key-figrues-2016.pdf|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404073253/http://www.innovasjonnorge.no/contentassets/0d32e3231c0a4367a96838ee3bb5b294/key-figrues-2016.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Every one in fifteen people throughout the country work in the tourism industry.<ref name="auto"/> Tourism is seasonal in Norway, with more than half of total tourists visiting between the months of May and August.<ref name="auto"/>

The main attractions of Norway are the varied landscapes that extend across the [[Arctic Circle]]. It is famous for its coastline and its mountains, ski resorts, lakes and woods. Popular tourist destinations in Norway include [[Oslo]], [[Ålesund (town)|Ålesund]], [[Bergen (city)|Bergen]], [[Stavanger (city)|Stavanger]], [[Trondheim (city)|Trondheim]], [[Kristiansand (town)|Kristiansand]], [[Arendal (town)|Arendal]], [[Tromsø (city)|Tromsø]], [[Fredrikstad (town)|Fredrikstad]], and [[Tønsberg]]. Much of the nature of Norway remains unspoiled, and thus attracts numerous hikers and skiers. The fjords, mountains and waterfalls in [[Western Norway]] and [[Northern Norway]] attract several hundred thousand foreign tourists each year. In the cities, cultural idiosyncrasies such as the [[Holmenkollen ski jump]] in Oslo and [[:no:«Saga Oseberg»|Saga Oseberg]] in Tønsberg attract many visitors, as do landmarks such as [[Bryggen]] in Bergen, [[Vigeland installation]] in [[Frogner Park]] in Oslo, [[Nidaros Cathedral]] in Trondheim, [[Fredrikstad Fortress]] (''Gamlebyen'') in Fredrikstad, and [[Tønsberg Fortress|the ruin park of Tønsberg Fortress]] in Tønsberg.